Someone was upset with me yesterday after I told them that I love Kaleigh, our dog, just as much as you.
It wasn't Mommy, just for the record. The reasons that I love Mommy are vast and plentiful, but one of them is her absolute acceptance of me without exception. Try to find this in your future spouse, little one, and you will have a happy life.
But anyway, I find this person's anger over my statement interesting for a couple reasons.
First, why would someone be so concerned about how much I love a person or an animal? It's frankly none of their business, and it does not impact their life in any way. Kaleigh's been in my life for more than six years, and in my darkest, most lonely hours, she was there for me. I think of her as my best friend, and yes, I love her as much as I love you, which is more than you or Kaleigh could ever imagine. So what if the love of feel is the same for both of you? What kind of God-complex must a person have in order to begin criticizing the amount of love that a parent has for a child?
Also, what does this say about my critic's capacity to love? Perhaps her heart is so cold, hard or shriveled that she cannot envision possessing enough love for a child and a dog simultaneously, not to mention her spouse. Perhaps my capacity for love is simply greater than my critic's.
Throughout life, little one, you will encounter odd and inexplicable circumstances in which selfish, nosy, preachy, self-important idiots will attempt to manipulate or criticize the value that you place in certain people, objects or institutions. Usually the criticizing occurs behind your back, because they tend to be cowards, but if you have enough friends (the most precious of commodities), then these unkind and cowardly words will eventually find their way to your ears and you will have ample warning and knowledge.
Don't allow these people to deter you, little one. Be yourself, and find someone who loves you for who you are.
My heart is bursting with love for you, Clara, as it is for Kaleigh, and there is more than enough love to go around.
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